Series 17 is turning out to be a really solid season. I can't think of a segment off hand that made me groan, unlike the previous few series where they seemed a bit over-scripted and contrived. I like the use of used cars more in this series. I think the BBC's budget cuts have had an interesting affect on the production of the series and they're just now understanding how to work with the economic change and still make a great show.

I suspect we'll get a single Thanksgiving/Christmas special this year before Series 18 starts in January. I don't see Clarkson, May or Hammond stopping at this point in time.

Also, I don't have a ton against TG:A, they're where I'd expect for a 1st / 2nd season. Their stuff seems way overly scripted, and the 3rd guy ("the Breaker") isn't memorable / doesn't seem to offer much to the show. I get it, you're a Jersey guy who likes big cars, etc. At least James May can go on for minutes about styling, history, technicalities, etc. This guys just seems...dumb.

What about 'The Car Show'? I caught the last half of the first episode - it's Adam Carolla's competing show to TG:A. He announced during the episode that it sucked, they didn't have their momentum yet, and he was right, but it has potential. At least they went out to the historic car show, etc, instead of sitting on a runway or in a field somewhere. Also, I think I heard maybe 3-4 racist jokes in there? In contect, was funny, but I can see the HRRDUUR's getting the show pulled for it.

Haven't watched The Car Show yet. It's streaming online so I haven't bothered with torrents. I plan on giving it a watch soon just to see it.

American Top Gear still has a ways to go, it's true. But consider how Top Gear took three series before it really hit its stride under the new format. They had that one fat bloke who talked about used cars and was completely boring. It wasn't until James May came aboard that they really started to go well. I think the US crew has potential for the same level of chemistry without resorting to re-casting the show so this new upcoming season will really tell how they're going. Personally I think Rutlidge is the best guy on it. Tanner Faust can't seem to express himself past his "I'm a race driver" smirk. Adam Ferrera also suffers because he's only believable when he's truly emotional about a car, and he seems unable to talk at those points. Until he learns to express himself better, he's dead weight on the show.

TG:A is rough around the edges, but not bad. Their Michigan visits were a lot of fun. It's nice to see a national show about cars acknowledge Detroit appropriately.

Gattsu - The Aventador is HOT. True car pornography.

Since we're sharing our rides:

If my wife was even remotely proficient at driving a manual (Trust me, I've tried, it's not worth it anymore), then both of my cars would be that way. As it stands, only the black one is a stick (as it should be).

That's what I love about driving stick with my G35S. Every single outing becomes exciting and fun. I drove to Walmart yesterday to return a picture frame, and passing this Audi A4 while trying to get onto the freeway was just exhilarating. It was a seven minute drive.

RE: Top Gear, which bit do you guys love the most from the show? I know everyone mentions the Reliant Robin (rightfully so, it's hysterical), but what other segments do you love?

I really enjoyed the Paramount Marauder bit. When he pulls up to that McDonalds and all you see is a giant TIRE in the camera, I frigging lost it.

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AlexDeGruvenNot as tall as Bobby Tallbeer. Twilight Sparkle is overrated.MeechiganIcrontian

The first boats out of cars one was brilliant. James and his 'sailboat', plus Jeremy rolling his hilux no more than 20 feet from the goal was just awesome.

The indestructible hilux is also a great one (IIRC, that truck is still attached to the wall of the studio).

James "Captain Slow" May setting the TopGear drivers' speed record in the Bugatti Veyron SuperSport only to get beaten immediately by a Bugatti factory driver. "When I asked them how long the tires will last at 250mph they told me 'Well, we know how long they last at 240...'"

I enjoyed the African adventure episode. They must have had super mechanics to get through the desert in those second hand cars, I don't know how "Oliver" held up so well XD. The Vietnam trip was pretty cool too.

Also the episode where Clarkson designed his own car interior and the guys nearly broke themselves testing it on the track.

The best part of the Reliant Robin was when they made Stig try to take it for a lap around the test track

Clarkson tested some car, and said it'd be perfect if sitting in the front seat was as comfortable as the back seat. Cut to a lot of string and sticks later, and Clarkson drives the car from the back seat... into a ditch. Followed by Clarkson filling out the insurance form:

Person filling out this form: Jeremy Clarkson
Were you in the car at the time of the accident: Yes
Where were you sitting in the car: In the back seat.